04/20/2017

A dark and stormy day greeted us on Tuesday. My alarm goes off early enough, but I struggle a bit to get out of bed. It's always the routine of getting downstairs, getting both dogs out, getting both dogs in (blindness in both pugs has made this more of an effort), make my coffee, heat up my "blue thing" that still smells of lavender from the oils Maddie put on it the night before.

Maddie is cuddled up on the couch watching Once on the ipad. It's her addiction right now.

Our routine differs little from the day before. After hanging out a bit on the couch, we all get ready for the day. Again, D is the first to get dressed and be ready. He eats a breakfast sandwhich at the table while playing Minecraft. The table is full of Easter baskets and treats from the weekend.

Maddie is slowest to get ready - she has so many things she would rather do. Breakfast for her today is mini pancakes from the microwave, having transitioned to watching her show on the iPad.

I find "chameleons" in the seedlings when I water them. Seems they were a Grammy gift from Easter and have now found a home among the baby plants.

A gloomy day means few pictures. I don't like having a lot of lights on in the house and very little light comes through the windows. I love a rainy day, though, and am not complaining. I put on my green tieks - a favorite pair of shoes these days - reflecting the green of our spring.

I have meetings today, so I drop off the kids at before school care. They would prefer to be at home doing their own thing, and D is especially disappointed that the gym is closed/full and outside is closed/rainy. I head to the car and enjoy a few minutes of the rain pattering on the roof before turning on my No Sleep podcast and driving into the office.

I had cooked my banana - my current favorite breakfast - and heat it up to eat with a bit of whipped cream at the office while working.

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The day is a whirlwind, as always, of meetings. I leave at 3:15 to head to get my hair done. I always go to long between appointments and my hair is grey, and scraggly. It feels so nice to get it done. I IM a photo to Ryan who jokes that I look like an alien.

I also love the opportunity to ignore distractions for a little while and take the opportunity to start a new book and have checked out Joytown from the library.

I get home to the normal full house - neighbor kids playing and Minecraft on the back TV.

And, of course, check out the new hair under our "real" lights.

Since I am getting home a bit later, and it's a lazy kind of feeling evening, we decide to take advantage of Bite Squad's free delivery and order from Buster's. A bonus that there is a kid's menu on their delivery menu. I get a butternut squash, kale and mushroom risotto that is amazing. We don't eat together at the table tonight, but rather each veg with our own screens.

Vegas makes herself comfortable under Maddie's tray. Love when she decides to hang out with us - she tends to prefer her blanket by the heater.

We end the day much as we started - enjoying our various shows. Dominick cuddles up on the couch to watch his favorite Minecraft videos. Ryan watches and enjoys popcorn on the couch. Maddie and I head upstairs to watch some more Gone with the Wind.

A good end to the day, even if the weather did not fully cooperate with my picture taking.

04/18/2017

Sunday night, Ryan and Dominick and slept downstairs with Chloe (an attempt to control Chloe's need to get up and go outside numerous times per night), so Maddie and I had slept upstairs in my bed together. There will come a day when they aren't thrilled to get to do these little sleepovers with us, so I am thankful for them while they last. Both kids ended up sleeping in late (to 8 AM) - tired bodies from a weekend of play and Easter, so I quietly got ready for to head into the office while they slept.

Both kids were disappointed that sleeping in would mean rushing around to get ready for school and out the door, so I made the decision to work from home in the morning and then bring them directly to school (no Minneapolis kids) before heading into the office.

It strikes me the difference in how these two approach their morning. Dominick will eat breakfast and get fully ready (down to shoes on and backpack at the ready) then settle into the couch to watch Minecraft videos or play Minecraft.

Maddie instead will remain in her pajamas as long as possible - only grabbing breakfast, getting dressed and making her school lunch at the very last minute (she also seems to think that it only takes her 15 minutes to do all those things...it doesn't).

I eat overnight oats for breakfast. It's a recipe that I had not tried before and I enjoy it. Not necessarily my favorite due to texture, but enjoyable and healthy. I have been trying to get back to healthier eating, and have been starting the day with breakfast.

Another beautiful day is predicted. Minnesota springs can be quite unpredictable and we can get anything from shorts weather to snow. I am happy to see our flip flops make a reappearance.

Happy to have a little extra time this morning and glad that I made the decision to head in at 930 AM. We aren't rushing and are enjoying the morning. I work on writing up Dominick's birthday invites while I enjoy a cup of coffee. I make our bed well (no crumpled sheets today) and take the time to straighten my hair.

At 930 AM, we pack up our things and I drive the kids to school. I drop of Dominick first and then Maddie. Both are so independent and no longer want me to walk them into school. Maddie brings her flute with her today - she has band practice.

I enjoy a quiet drive into the office. Some days I am on calls, but today I am not. I listen to the No Sleep podcast and drink my coffee from my awesome Yeti cup.

Work was uneventful. My day consisted of a lot of time in meetings or at my desk. I neglected to take a photo since it was in the middle of a meeting, but they ordered in pizza and salad for lunch - a wonderful surprise.

I headed to D's school at 3:30 to pick him up. Ryan has meetings after school, so I get to pick him up today. It's one of my favorite parts of the day and it's not always my task He makes me laugh and I love having those few minutes with just him to hear about his day.

The weather is beautiful this afternoon. Ryan has just fed the dogs when we get home. Chloe is outside enjoying the sun and grass and is excited to see us home.

I spend a little time exploring the yard to see what is coming up for spring. I see that the raspberry vines are getting leaves and strawberry plants are growing.

I head inside to do a little work - mainly emails - at the dining room table. I had a go live this past weekend, and we are working through some issues.

Maddie comes home from school full of stories from her day. She tells me her friend has taught her to flick a softball (they have been playing softball during recess at school). I love her stories and I love her bright spirit.

The kids head outside to play with their neighborhood friends. I love that we are so lucky to have such wonderful kids on our block.

Dominick tells me that they found books in the Little Free Library on the next block.

I work on dinner. Tonight we are having pork chops on the grill (Ryan is grilling the most amazing chops from Thielen's in Pierz) and I am cooking up green bean (love the french cut ones from Byerly's - my favorite) and cauliflower au gratin, which is a new favorite. I drink a Kirk & Kevin Kocktail while I cook.

We listen to music while we cook. One of my favorites is Jason Mraz Yes! This album has really be resonating with me lately.

Vegas enjoys a bit of sunshine at the front door. When Ryan comes in from outside, he makes he way around the entire house so as not to disturb her.

D and A make their way inside to play some minecraft. It is a favorite activity around here. Maddie and M check in on them, but wisely decide that outside in the beautiful weather is a much better place to be.

We eat dinner together at the dining room. I love dinners at the table. I love dinner conversation and enjoying each other's company.

After dinner, the kids head back outside to play. Ryan hangs out with Chloe in the living room - he is catching up on Game of Thrones.

I head upstairs to do Yoga on my app. I am trying to get in at least a little workout each day - be it Yoga or a walk - because I have not be keeping up lately.

At 8, it's time to come in for the night. The kids get dressed in jammies and brush teeth. Dominick decides to hang out downstairs with Ryan and watch on the iPad (he loves watching Minecraft videos on youtube). Maddie and I head upstairs and watch some more Gone with the Wind. Love that she is enjoying watching this with me.

09/05/2015

The last day of documentation. We have a busy day ahead and Madeline starts school tomorrow. The kids watch a little Amazing World of Gumball in the morning. I get a kick out of how much they cuddle up when they watch.

Vegas is still soundly sleeping. I don't disturb her yet, but Chloe needs to go out right away in the morning.

Dominick takes care of the Guineas for Madeline. He is always going out of his way to do favors for Madeline - even when she doesn't ask. I love how kind he is to her.

The Guineas are so cute when you open the door to their cage to feed them. They are little gluttens and can't wait.

We make a quick trip to the Minneapolis Farmer's Market. The kids have really enjoyed going this year and I wish we made it there more. This time of year it is especially wonderful - I love all the colorful vegetables and flowers on display. It's a happy place.

We head home and get ready to head to Grandpa Roger's for lunch. We make some breakfast. I am still loving Avocado on toast with poached egg especially if I have a lovely green avocado to spread and cherry tomatoes and basil from the garden.

Dominick has an amazing breakfast of yogurt with blueberries from the Farmer's Market, eggs and grapes.

The kids have made a fort in the living room. We let them leave it up.

The drive to Grandpas is about 45 minutes. The kids keep themselves occupied in the car with activities mostly left over from our South Dakota trip.

Ryan showed Dominick Grandpa's bow. He was enthralled.

Lunch included good old, fashioned barbecue fair - burgers, chicken, potato salad and cucumber salad with corn on the cob. Corn was fabulous - Dominick even managed to eat it with a loose front tooth. Dessert was cheesecake. Everyone ate more than their fill.

Dominick got to open some birthday presents from Todd and Diane and Grandpa Roger. He was thrilled to receive a new baseball glove and Legos.

D was worn out on the drive home.

We did our best to avoid the Sunday cabin traffic by taking highways instead of the interstate. It was a lovely day for a drive.

At home, they were anxious to go in the fort and work on Dominick's new Legos.

I had an iced coffee. This has been one of my favorite things to drink this summer.

Dinner was very low key since we had all eaten a lot at Grandma and cooking seemed silly. Madeline asked for deviled eggs - a favorite for she and I both. While boiled the eggs, she took a shower.

She has recently mastered the towel around the head thing.

Deviled eggs and a peanut butter sandwich. She helped me with the paprika.

08/24/2015

I love Saturdays. I love being home and knowing that there is two days here. I woke with Madeline in our bed (she crawled in sometime this morning). She crept downstairs allowing me to sleep in a bit more. Heaven. Saturday mornings are either super low key or getting ready to go on an adventure. This week, we are low-key.

The kids request freezer waffles. It's nice to have a breakfast on hand that requires nearly zero effort.

Dominick wants to dress up in some of his new clothes today. I cinch the waistband of his pants for him. Both Madeline and Dominick are tall and skinny and getting clothes that are long enough but small enough in the waist are always a challenge. I am thankful for elastic bands.

He dresses up in one of his new shirts and ties, too. He tells me to hold on when I call to him - he is "busy getting handsome."

Madeline and I clean the Guinea Pig cage. It's never a chore we look forward to, so I decide I would like to get it out of the way as soon as possible this morning. I clean out the cage while she sweeps up the litter and food and hay they have kicked out. We have the Guineas in the living room lately thinking that, because they are social, this is better for them.

Once we have cleaned up the cages, she gets the Guineas all set in their nicely cleaned cages. Luke and Perry are pretty darn cute, I have to admit.

I get Ashley's baby gift ready to mail. I have been meaning to get it out for ages (before the baby was born). Madeline made a card this week and I get it wrapped in brown paper so I can run that and some other mail over the post office.

Before I head out on errands, I walk Chloe. We are trying to ensure she is getting some good exercise. The kids decided that they weren't interested in joining me, but Dominick changed his mind when I let him know he could ride his bike with me instead. He would bike a 1/2 a block ahead and wait for me. He loves biking and I am reminded that we need to do that more. Chloe LOVED her walk. She is so happy the entire time and will run for most of it if you let her.

We came home to Madeline playing outside - running up and down the sidewalk in her new boots.

I ran errands when I got home. Post Office. Grocery. Vintage store. The kids had seen the neighbor kids outside, so elected to stay home.

When I got home, we made some lunch. I heated up some pesto pasta and sauteed some cherry tomatoes. It's one of my favorites right now.

I sat down to eat at the dining room table with my book on Kindle. I am still reading Faithful Place. The kids were still outside playing, but came in while I was eating because Imogen & Amelia had to go in to eat lunch.

We decide it is a perfect time for them to eat lunch, too. Madeline asks for salad (but not the lettuce from the garden), so we cut up some cucumbers and iceberg lettuce for her.

He wants a microwave egg with ham (no cheese this time) and grapes.

And then it's back outside to play with the neighbors. I love that we have so many wonderful kids on our block for them to play with. It's reminiscent of the way I grew up - kids running up and down the street, playing in each other's yards and houses.

I hang out in the front yard and read a book for a while. The weather is lovely and the sun feels heavenly. I enjoy an iced coffee while I read.

I also get a run in. I am starting to see results and am doing my best to run consistently. Today's movie is Woman in Black 2 - enjoying it so far.

Storms are rolling in and we decide we don't want the kids playing outside. We work out a deal where they come to our house to play for a bit and then over to Imogen & Amelia's for a bit. It's getting close to dinner time, so time is short. They play in the living room, enjoying the Guineas.

Storms (severe thunderstorms and heavy wind) mean our evening plans (a get-together at school friend's house) are canceled. We make dinner and hunker down at home. Dominick requests a board game and the kids choose to play Clue (Dominick and I are a team since he can't read).

He does love rolling the dice and did an awesome job of picking rooms and weapons.

We rent a move - Song of the Sea - and the everyone really enjoys it. Dominick is tired an fussy, though, about the dinner we are eating. He doesn't like it. We let him have a sandwich in the end so that he can be a part of dessert. We cuddle on the couch to watch. It wont' be long before the three of us won't fit on the loveseat - we barely do now. I do love that they both will cuddle with me. I hope that they do so for a long time.

We make fruit pie for dessert. Dominick has a little meltdown, but recovers in time to add the fruit with Madeline.

Dessert is delicious. Dominick doesn't like the blackberries much (they are too "explodey") and Madeline doesn't like the blueberries (a non-favorite of hers), but overall the pie is success. It's nice to end the evening on a good note.

We get the kids in bed. I read Madeline "Never Talk to Strangers" and Ryan DinoTrucks to Dominick. We tuck them into bed - Madeline is going to sleep with her snuggle bear she received from Papa those many, many years ago.

Ryan and I watch and episode of Blechley Park and then I head up to bed with a huge glass of water - there is not enough water lately for me to stay hydrated.

08/22/2015

We are all up by 7 AM again. The kids are excited because we have back to school shopping planned today. I have work to do this morning - I have a write up due and it will take me several more hours to complete - so get to work right away. The kids work on puzzles in the living room - puzzles appear to be the activity of choice right now.

I work until after noon and then scramble to get us out the door by 1. During the morning, Ryan works with the kids to go through their closets to get rid of the things that don't fit or are worn out and determine what they need. We won't buy much, yet, as it's still warm, but they kids are excited to have some new clothes for school (it was always one of my favorite things as a kid, to have a new outfit for the first day).

The kids and I head to the outlet mall to shop. We find some cute dresses, shirts, skirts and pants. I find a new pair of shoes for Ryan and Dominick picks out some handsome, cool Sketchers. He surprises me a little by not choosing light up shoes, but he really has his own style and prefers to be dressed up. He is a very handsome boy.

Madeline really wants boots and we hunt down some cowboy boots. They look amazing on her and she can't wait to wear them. She is all about dresses and skirts right now, and has an amazing sense of style (and love her looks - she is making that face for my camera's benefit).

We make a quick stop home to change (of course, the two kids want to put on their new clothes and I want to take off my long sleeved shirt) and then drive up to Pig Ate My Pizza. We are meeting the Guiral family for dinner and have been trying to get this on the calendar all summer.

Those boots.

Halfway there, I triple check the website and it turns out that, while they ARE open tonight, they are open an hour late. I text Anne and we decide to meet up anyway and have a drink beforehand. We walk over to El Toro for margaritas and chips & salsa.

Our waiter is a total card and jokes around with Emma and the boys. He borrows Charlie's snake to scare someone in the kitchen.

We walk back to Pig Ate My Pizza. There is a long line (Ryan has walked ahead to get us a place in line), but we are able to get sat in the first wave. We get the tall "hot tub" booth - which I always get a kick out of.

The kids play Temple Run on the iPad when they have gotten too squirley playing with the guys.

We order 5 pizzas - a Kids Cheese, complete with cheese curds, for the kids, A Big Cheeser with a soft egg (Madeline enjoyed that), a Smokey the Brisket, A Tijuana Tina and a Bay O Pigs (back tonight). Food is amazing as always.

Beer and Pizza = Good.

We head home around 8. Bedtime for the kids. Dominick decides to sleep in Madeline's room again so we move his mattress in. They put on jammies and brush teeth.

I read the kids a book (Madeline's rescue) which prompts talk about where their names come from. Both are so excited to know about those that they are named after. I tuck them in. Ryan will head up shortly after to give hugs and kisses (he is doing Todd's FFB draft for him online in the basement).

I work on photos while he drafts. It's late by the time he finishes and I am tired. We take the dogs out and Ryan completes the 80s Band quiz that I took (He gets around 90% - not bad, but I blew him away with my 90%).

I heat up my blew warmer, put on my eucalyptus oil and head to bed to read for a bit. I am ready for the weekend.

The alarm goes off at 7 AM and I head downstairs. Madeline and Dominick are already up and Tea is still sleeping. The kids will be heading into Ryan's school (he has a meeting with Bart) and are very excited. Dominick has breakfast.

Madeline is cuddled up with Chloe on the green chair.

Dominick decides to pull out some puzzles and do them on the living room floor. He is working on a Pirates of the Caribbean puzzle. We try to keep the kid volume down so Tea can sleep. Madeline pulls out a puzzle of her own - Fancy Nancy.

I have back to back work calls starting at 8 AM so I work from home. Tea gets up and the girls frantically get ready to head out the door. I am thankful for a quiet house for a few hours.

Todd stops by (he is working in the area) and we chat in the kitchen for a bit - unsure if Ryan and the kids will get home in time to see him. They do get home in time and Dominick runs into the kitchen to hug him.

Dominick has come home with a picture for me. I love his drawings.

Todd heads back to work. Ryan heads up to Target to get lunch for the kids. The girls head off to play. Dominick wants help doing his puzzle (he is frustrated right now), so he brings it into the kitchen and we work on it together. He really doesn't need my help, but we enjoy each other's company.

Ryan bakes up party pizzas for lunch for the kids and they eat at the dining room table.

I eat leftover pesto pasta at the kitchen table while I work. I have a noon call - lots of calls today. I thought I would have time for a run, but that will have to wait.

Ryan sneaks in an after lunch nap with Chloe on the couch.

The kids play more house. Our bedroom and closets become their homes. Madeline dresses up in my clothes.

By mid-afternoon, the kids are starting to try each other's patience. Madeline and Tea decide to build a couch fort and that tides them over for a bit.

Nick is coming by to get Tea at 4 - we have school open houses tonight, so our early evening is quite scheduled. The kids play outside for a while with the boys across the street and then we have them come in and clean up.

We head up to Madeline's school. She is so excited for 4th grade and that she has Ms. Hall as a teacher. She hugs and talks with friends while Ryan and I visit with some of the parents and her teacher. We really like her classroom and teacher.

We drive over to Wenonah for Dominick's open house. There is a line going out the door. We sign in and head down to his classroom. He is very excited for Kindergarten and seems to really like Mrs. Rossow. He does the little scavenger hunt in his room and then he and Madeline "tour" the school with Henry S. and his sister Violet, who will be in Dominick's class. We visit the Media Center where they each pick out a free book. The Media teacher remembers Madeline right away and is very excited to see her and meet Dominick. We visit the lunch room and then they play on the playground.

Timing has caused an issue with getting home and cooking dinner, so we decide to head out to Carbone's for pizza. We have never eaten in their new restaurant. Pizza is amazing as always. Dominick shows Ryan the Penquins and Polar Bears book he picked up in the Media Center.

It's late when we get home. The kids go to bed. Dominick chooses to sleep in his room again, which displeases Madeline, but Ryan works out a deal with her that she can come upstairs in the night.

Ryan and I head to the basement - we both have a ton of work to get done. We stay up until midnight working and listening to music.

I set my alarm for 6:30 AM this morning. Still dark and dreary. A little sunshine would go a long way right now. Find Madeline and Dominick watching in her room. She set her alarm for 6 AM - she is excited for Tea to spend the day at our house.

They are both cranky - too little sleep. Dominick plays with his guys in the living room.

Ryan drives up to get a paper. He stopped having them delivered, but is interested in the high school sports information this week. The kids keep asking when Tea is going to get there - they are excited to have a playmate for the day.

I really don't want to, but I force myself to go on a run on the treadmill. I make it for a bit over a mile at 1 percent incline. After I stop, part of me wishes I had run longer.

I come upstairs to find Madeline and Dominick working on Legos in her room. They are both still cranky and she is not allowing him to help build. I leave it to them to figure it out on their own (and Dominick doesn't appear to be bothered - he is often content just to be with her.

I get a text from Tracy - Nick will be dropping Tea off around 9:30 AM. The kids are excited for her to get there. They play. I take a shower and make an egg (I am still hungry) and work at the kitchen table. The little egg cooker we have now is so cool - cooks a perfect egg in the microwave in 1 minute. Ryan, Dominick and I are a bit addicted. I make mine with tomatoes and basil from the garden.

Tea arrives. The kids play together - we will go to the Science Museum later, but for now they are keeping themselves occupied. It's stormy out, so they play inside. For the most part they get along. They all like playing "house" with our bedroom as the home. They use cardboard to make "phones" because everyone needs a cell phone these days.

We make arrangements for Tea to sleep over tonight. It's nice, but we don't really have to worry about a schedule now. Around 12:30, we head out. It's an ordeal to get an extra booster in the back of my car, but we make it work.

We head to Cassetta's for lunch. Dominick and I have mostaccioli and Tea and Madeline share tortellini. I love Casetta's - if not only for the food, for the establishment itself.

Dominick actually chose chocolate milk over Sprite. I nearly fainted.

We head to the car. These three are very exited for the Science Museum. There is a grand debate on who gets to sit in the middle seat. Madeline wins.

The Science Museum ramp is full, but it ends up being only a 10 minute wait to park. We are members, so it's only $5 there versus $10+ anywhere else. I figure it will be busy, though - we usually go first thing in the morning, so this is a change. We have to purchase Tea a ticket and I am irritated with myself for not having done so before we left. I manage to purchase one online, though, and we bypass the line. The kids want to go straight to the tugboat, so we do that first.

It's a different rhythm having Tea along. Our visit feels a bit more chaotic, or maybe just more energetic with her with us. We bounce from exhibit to exhibit - all three are so excited to see everything.

We visit the Human Body Exhibit. We see the Optical Illusions show (which I wouldn't have even realized existed except for Madeline - yay Science Museum Camp). We spend a lot of time in the Light and Sound area and then check out dinosaurs. The kids complete a REALLY hard puzzle.

We explore and learn. We stay until nearly close (they are making the announcements). All three project their faces on the massive astronaut in the center. Tea finds it hilarious that Maddie becomes Mad die with how the letters separate.

We head home. It's a long drive with rush hour, but they are full of giggles and laughter in the back seat. Ryan is out (happy hour with work friends) so I give the kids the choice of leftover red beans and rice or pesto (I have a craving). D chooses red beans and the girls choose pesto. The girls pick basil from the garden so I can make pesto. I have been craving pesto all week - it is one of my favorite summer dinners.

The kids pick out movies to watch. The girls want to watch Mirror, Mirror, so I tell D that we can watch Harry Potter in the back room. Tracy comes to bring Tea pajamas and such while we are getting dinner read. I burn my tomatoes while chatting with Tracy out front.

Tea isn't sure about the pesto until I have her taste it - she likes it and comes back for seconds. Who can resist pesto?

The girls eat their pasta and watch Mirror, Mirror in the living room. Dominick and I cuddle up with our dinner in the family room and watch Harry Potter.

As I start to clean up, I find a wasp flying in the house. I kick the kids out front and try to kill it without success. I put a big bowl over it on the floor and text Ryan that I need his help. I am sure he is laughing at me, but I am terrified the next sting will be the one that gets me.

Dominick starts watching Mirror Mirror with the girls in the living room - must have become more exciting and I let them watch until it's gone while I work on documenting our Tuesday.

Ryan gets home and it's time for bed. He takes care of the wasp first and then we brush teeth and get ready for bed. Dominick is going to sleep in his room tonight - he is excited, he really only sleeps in Madeline's room for her - and he is tired. We cuddle up with a pirate book and then I snuggle with him until he falls asleep.

Ryan goofs around with the girls making them laugh loudly and then allows them to watch for a while on the iPad in bed before lights out.

Ryan and I are both exhausted. We watch an episode of Sex & Drugs & Rock n Roll and then tell the girls that it's time for bed. We both head up to bed to read a bit and fall asleep.

08/20/2015

Dark and cold out again today. It's hard to get up - I would prefer to stay cuddled up in bed for a while longer. I force myself up and head downstairs. I am greeted by these two cuddled up on the couch watching a Disney show on the iPad. They bicker more and more these days (getting back to school will be good), so I cherish these moments when I have them.

This one is fast asleep in her puppy bed, so I leave her be.

I put this one outside for potties. Sometimes I am struck by how far she has come since we first got her and am thankful that I no longer have to chase her to bring her inside - she wants to be with us now.

I love that the morning glories are blooming. I am frustrated at how weed infested our yard is right now, but remind myself to focus on how lovely it is, too.

Breakfast is yogurt with a fiber bar and coffee. I cuddle up on the green chair with my iPad and relax a little before the day truly starts.

This one cuddles with me for a bit. I love cuddles and will take them any time I can.

Rain is expected again today, but it's dry yet, so we decide to take Chloe for walk. We have been taking just her now as walks seem to be stressful for Vegas when she can't see. She is wearing Vegas's harness now - she has put on weight and can't fit into her's. We are re-adjusting her diet to, hopefully, help.

Madeline is the dog-walker. I am the doggy bagger. She has the better job.

He is wearing his cool black tennies today. We have been working on putting shoes away in the right places lately - he tends to throw them just about anywhere and then fusses when he cannot find the ones he wants (he is very particular about what shoes he wears).

He loves to run - he has so much energy. She likes to play quietly and watch - he wants to move.

She makes microwave pancakes for breakfast for the two of them. She relishes her independence and likes to be able to do many of these things for herself (or them) right now).

I get ready to head into the office. It's Tech Tuesday, meaning most of our team will be in the office.

He cracks me up. He feels like he has to smile for the camera whenever I take a picture, but has trouble giving me a natural smile.

Work is busy. I spend the majority of my day in front of my screens and on the phone. I walk around the office more on Tech Tuesday, though, which is nice. Kim brings in Que Viet for the office - I eat lunch in one of the conference rooms with Kent, Kim, Linda and Mike. Egg rolls from Que Viet are amazing and we enjoy some talk about not work.

I head home around 430 again. Traffic is much worse tonight (all the rain?). Feels good to come home knowing I will work from home tomorrow. Ryan has red beans & rice waiting for dinner - one of Dominick's favorites.

After dinner, we clean up.

And enjoy a glass of wine, while the kids do some studying.

Dominick is working on his letters and sounds along with math. Math comes VERY easy to him and it's his favorite to work on.

She is working on her non-fiction reading comprehension. Ryan helps her with one of the questions.

Later, we cuddle up in my bed to watch Return of the Jedi. We can watch it on the big TV, but there is something about cuddling up in bed to watch.

The kids get to bed late again. We are enjoying the long evenings, but the kids are fussy at bedtime. I read Dominick a book and Ryan reads to Madeline (they could not agree on a book). After they are in bed, I get some ice cream and Ryan and I head to the basement to watch Halt & Catch Fire.

We let the dogs out and get ready for bed. I am tired. I need to start getting to bed earlier.

08/19/2015

It's the last week of summer break here, although if feels like fall. It's cold and rainy.

I had trouble getting out of bed this morning. Not a morning person as it is, Mondays are hard - I have meetings all day and don't feel like I get much real work done - add that it's dark out and the kids are home, and I just want to curl up at home. I set my alarm this morning for 6 AM. It awakes me and I found a 9 year old girl and a puppy cuddled up with me. I finally drag myself out of bed at around 630 AM and make myself a cup of coffee. Coffee helps.

The kids don't really have much of a schedule since we are still on summer break. No camps are scheduled this week and the only activities on the calendar are later in the week. They cuddle up on the couch and watch on the iPad. Madeline is limited in her "watching" time - Dominick we don't have to worry much about as he would prefer to play. Chloe cuddles up with them - she wants to be by us.

I usually work a bit at home (phone calls and emails) before I head into the office. Today is no exception. I get a shower in and then get ready for the day. It's cool out, so it's hard to find something to wear (most of my cool weather clothes are packed away for capsule wardrobe). Ryan needs to hit the grocery store, so I am out of my breakfast fare. I decide this is a good excuse to stop by Caribou for a Northern Lite Latte and Maple Brown Sugar Crunch Oatmeal for breakfast. I download an audio book from the library and listen to that on my drive - one of my favorite authors, but I don't particularly enjoy the book.

My work day is spent primarily in the conference room or at my desk. I order in Jimmy Johns for lunch (Totally Tuna and Thinny Chips) and take a break to read a little Faithful Place on my iPad).

I drive home at 430 and finish listening to my book. Traffic is not too bad despite the rain - I am anxious to be home.

Upon arrival home, I stop to smell the sweet peas in the garden. I remind myself that I need to have Madeline smell them - they are lovely and do not last long (and this is the first year I have actually been successful at growing them). I head into the house and am greeted by running hugs. Ryan is the basement working on school prep. The kids had in the living room playing school. They have been making a concoction with glitter glue, white glue and water. Apparently, it needed to be put in the fridge. I change into workout clothes and then hang out with them for a while.

Madeline picked flowers for me today and put them in my room on my ladder nightstand. I love this.

We have Beef Provencal for dinner, made by Ryan. We sit down as a family to eat at the kitchen table. That's my preference - I enjoy this time to collect as a family. After dinner, we all work together to clean up. As Madeline and Dominick get older, we are giving them more responsibilities.

We hang out after dinner. Ryan will be playing Trivia tonight with the boys, but hangs out in the quiet of the basement until it is time to go.

I relax with the kids and then get a quick run in on the treadmill. I am trying to run most days, although it is not something I love to do. Putting something entertaining on the iPad helps. Tonight I am watching The Guest at my friend Scott's recommendation.

We clean up before getting pjs on and watching a little before books and bed. I turn on "I Love a Rainy Night" on the record player as we pick up - fitting for the weather we have right now. I love having the record player in the living room.

The kids want dessert/snacks. Madeline didn't finish her dinner, so I allow her to make a salad in order to get dessert. She has cucumber and lettuce from the garden with ranch dressing. She doesn't like the lettuce (it's bitter), but finishes the cucumber. I let her have a candy bar from her friend Rachel's birthday party pinata as dessert.

Dominick chooses a sucker.

After teeth were brushed, we read books (tonight it was Bernstein Bears Sleepover) on the couch for bed. Ryan has already left for Trivia, so it's just the three of us. Madeline can read on her own, but likes the time with Ryan or I when we read to them. I don't complain - bedtime stories has always been a favorite part of my day with them.

We do bedtime cuddles and I tuck them in. Dominick is sleeping on a mattress on Madeline's floor right now. He is good with it, but it is more for her (she still has trouble sleeping, and having company in her room seems to help). She and I have a little girl talk cuddled up in her bed. It's these little moments that I love so much.

After the kids are in bed, I jump on the laptop for a bit. I am editing photos for my "Firsts" layout that I have been wanting to work on for a while. I end up working at the kitchen table until quite late (for me). I check Facebook - I try to only do so a few times a day (except maybe on conference calls), but it's nice to be able to keep up with friends and family across the country. I work to steer clear of the political crud out there.

I check on the kids before I get ready for bed. Both are fast asleep. They have been staying up late, and Dominick has been falling asleep hard. We are going to try to get back to a normal sleep schedule with school starting next week, but it's hard.

I heat up my blue warmer and put the dogs outside. Vegas doesn't want to go potty, so I text Ryan to ask him to let her out one more time when he gets home. He texts me to tell me that they placed first in Trivia. They are rightfully excited. I put eucalyptus oil on my blue warmer (the most amazing smell) and head up to bed with Chloe. Vegas doesn't sleep upstairs with us anymore - probably because the main floor is more comfortable for a puppy that can't see or hear. I set my alarm for the morning and cuddle up in bed with Chloe and my book (I am reading Faithful Place on my iPad right now).

01/29/2015

In December, I had settled happily on my One Little Word for 2015 (Explore). As January rolled around though, that word didn't feel like it quite fit. It seemed limited. I started thinking about what I wanted to invite into my life right now. I had had some success with my 2013 word (Focus) - helping to find what was important to me as I worked through the monthly prompts (Ali Edwards One Little Word class). In 2014, my word was "embrace" where my goal was to live my life more fully, and it was the perfect fit for my year.

What I see next is a need to live my life deliberately. I like the idea of taking ownership of what I do, and where I am at in my life. I like the idea of CHOOSING my attitude and my life actions.

Lately I'm beginning to find that I should be the one behind the wheel...Lately, I'm beginning to find that when I drive myself, my light is found - Incubus

As I think of my word, there are quite a few things that comes to mind.

I choose to eat healthier. This means drinking more water (not just thinking about how I need to drink more water). This means healthier snacks and less junk. Hello hummus and sliced sweet red pepper (although I choose NOT to give up my ice cream).

I choose to do yoga every day - even if it's only 15 minutes. I tend to be an all or nothing person with working out. If I can fit in the full 30 minutes on the treadmill, or find the time to make it all the way around the lake, then I do nothing. After discovering a Yoga app for my iPad, this has already proven to be very doable.

I will choose how my time is spent. This is two-fold for me:

No complaining when I don't have time to do the things I want. I am choosing how my time is spent. I choose my priorities. If something is not a priority for me, I can usually choose not to do it. If I choose to go down the rabbit hole of Pinterest, for example, that is a choice I am making - a choice not to have time for something else.

I can be proactive about how I choose to spend my time. If I choose to go on adventures with the kids, I am choosing that time - it's important to me. I choose to make relationships a priority - friendships, Ryan, the kid, family.

I choose how to spend my time.

I choose what is important to me.

I acknowledge that I don't get to choose everything. No one does. There will always be things outside of my control. However, my day is made up of my choices. When I have a bad day, I can choose how I react to it. I may lose my temper and yell about something that 5 minutes later seems so trivial and stupid - I can dwell on it or I can apologize and move on. I can choose to do better next time. I can choose my battles. I choose (with Ryan) the rules in our house. I choose to enforce them, even when it would be so much easiser to not do so.

Another thing I struggle with is my choice to work outside the home. I like my job. I am good at my job. I believe that, in the end, I am a more whole person because I choose to be employed in a position and industry that I love. It's hard, being away from my two favorite little people in the world. In the end, though - I choose this, and have a myriad of reasons that I do so. In additional to my own personal fulfillment, my income allows for us to do many things that we might not afford to do. Things I want for our family - broadened experiences and fuller lives. Trips on our own or as a family. Summer camps and memberships to cool places such as the Science Museum. When I struggle with my choice to be a working mom, I need to remind myself why I choose the life we have.

My life is less than perfect, but I have yet to meet someone with a perfect life. I choose how I deal with the good and with the bad. I choose to focus on the positives in my life. I choose to look forward to what is next for me.

I will embrace my choices - with their benefits and consequences. They are mine.

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This is a place where I share little bits of my everyday life. A little bit of what makes me feel so lucky (family, kids, little adventures) as well as what keeps me sane - creative ideas, memory keeping, and inspiration.
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